March 2012

Reportage photo vérité: Richard Geoffroy au naturel (chef de cave de Dom Pérignon)

Rédigé et mis en images par Liz Palmer

Ce reportage photographique est un recueil d’images prises lors de mon interview avec Richard Geoffroy, chef de cave de Dom Pérignon, révélant ses expressions et mouvements du moment.

En extérieur, sur les terres de l’abbaye

J’ai rencontré Richard Geoffroy à l’abbaye d’Hautvillers, la céleste demeure de Champagne où au 17e siècle, un moine bénédictin du nom de Dom Pierre Pérignon mena des recherches et des expérimentations sur les vins de Champagne.

Richard Geoffroy fut chef de cave pendant près de 20 ans chez Moët & Chandon pour la cuvée Dom Pérignon, et il n’a pas l’intention de s’arrêter là. Il m’accueille d’un sourire chaleureux, l’air sympathique et détendu.

Dégustation

Le scientifique en pleine action : concentré, attentif au moindre détail, aspirant à la perfection…les vins reflètent généralement la personnalité du vigneron. J’étais plus qu’enchantée d’assister à une dégustation avec un virtuose du champagne de renommée internationale. Toutefois je me contins, ne laissant paraître que modération et sobriété.

Commentaires de Richard Geoffroy:

« Je recherche une texture soyeuse, sans accroc. Je ne veux pas de quelque chose de lourd ou de puissant. »
« Le Dom Pérignon doit être vibrant et long. »

« Ce qui importe est que le Dom Pérignon procure du plaisir et de la joie ! » Richard Geoffroy
« Un équilibre parfait ! » Liz Palmer

Liz Palmer @champagnehouses

A Photo Essay Capturing Richard Geoffroy’s (le chef de cave de Dom Pérignon) Natural Character

Written and Photographed by Liz Palmer

This photo essay is a collection of images of my interview with Richard Geoffrey, Chef de Cave, Dom Pérignon, capturing his expressions and movements.

Outside on the grounds of the Abbey

I met Richard Geoffroy at the Abbey of Hautvillers, the celestial home of Champagne, where in the 17th century the Benedictine monk Dom Pierre Pérignon conducted research and experiments on the wines of Champagne.

Richard Geoffroy has been the head winemaker for over 20 years of Moët & Chandon’s Cuvée Dom Pérignon, and shows no signs of slowing down. He greets me with a warm smile, quite personable and relaxed.

Tasting

The scientist at work: focused, attention to detail and perfection – wines often mirror their maker. I was absolutely thrilled to taste with one of the world’s premier Champagne artists. I paced myself in elegant moderation.

Richard Geoffroy’s comments:

“A seamless, silky texture is what I’m looking for – I am not looking for weight or power.”

“Dom Pérignon must be vibrant and long.”

“Dom Pérignon is all about pleasure and joy!” Richard Geoffroy

“Perfectly Balanced!” Liz Palmer

@Champagnehouses

Champagne Bureau’s Annual Tasting at Banqueting House, London

The Champagne Bureau held its annual trade and media tasting today at Banqueting House, London, where 79 brands presented 233 cuvees, with vintages ranging from 1998 to 2007, uncorking over 6,000 bottles. This event is the largest of its kind in Europe.

Liz Palmer
@champagnehouses

Macy’s + Shoes + Champagne …. Macy’s Shoe Department gets a Champagne Bar

In the midst of an extensive $400 million overhaul of its Herald Square flagship, Macy’s may hit the perfect trifecta for shoe-obsessed New Yorkers: When it completes its second floor shoe department, it won’t just have 300,000 pairs of shoes, but a well-stocked Champagne bar, chocolate and coffee bar.

Currently, women’s shoes are sold on two separate floors, but the new space will create “The World’s Largest Shoe Floor,” the store says, with 39,000 square feet of selling space, and 24,000 square feet devoted to stockrooms. Brands such as Calvin Klein, Coach and Michael Kors will have their own shops, and “curated shoe closets inspired by New York City’s trendiest neighborhoods.” The remodeled area is scheduled to open in fall 2012.

Liz Palmer
@champagnehouses

VEUVE CLICQUOT BUSINESS WOMAN AWARD (UK) 2012 SHORTLIST IS ANNOUNCED

Veuve Clicquot has announced this week it’s shortlist for “Veuve Clicquot Business Woman Award” at the WIE (Women: Inspiration & Enterprise) Power Breakfast at The London Stock Exchange, and the three finalists are:

• Anya Hindmarch: Founder, Anya Hindmarch
• Helena Morrissey: CEO, Newton Investment Management
• Ruth Rogers: Chef & Owner, The River Café

The Veuve Clicquot Business Woman Award is regarded as the ‘Oscars’ of female entrepreneurs and business leaders, and is now in its 40th year. It celebrates entrepreneurial women who have made a significant contribution to business life in the UK. The nomination criteria are those ideals epitomised by Madame Clicquot: Entrepreneurship, financial success, Corporate Social Responsibility and acting as a role model.

All Finalists selected by the Veuve Clicquot Business Woman Award judging panel demonstrated the strongest evidence of all nomination criteria. Notable achievements included Helena Morrissey’s groundbreaking 30% Club, which helps champion the issue of women on boards, Anya Hindmarch’s entrepreneurial story and global pioneering of her ‘I am not a plastic bag’ initiative which raised the issue of plastic bag usage amongst the public’s consciousness as well as the government’s agenda, and Ruth Rogers’ steady growing business, changing how we perceive, as well as cook, Italian cuisine.

Carolyn McCall, a previous winner of the Veuve Clicquot Business Woman Award and current Panel member, noted: “The nominees for this year’s award are all great role models and have all the attributes that Veuve Clicquot looks for in its Business Woman Award. This award has played a vital role in recognizing and celebrating women in business.”

Sian Westerman, MD of Rothschild and member of the Veuve Clicquot Business Woman Award Panel commented: “This strong shortlist, drawn from an excellent long list, exemplifies what women can achieve in business: strong entrepreneurship and leadership, combined with a desire and ability to deliver real change in society. Spanning areas key to the UK economy of fashion, finance and hospitality, they are great role models for all who aspire to succeed in business.”

Jasmine Whitbread, CEO of Save the Children International and member of the Veuve Clicquot Business Woman Award Panel said: “It was inspiring to see the sheer quality and range of candidates for the award — busting the myth that there aren’t many women business leaders!”

The Award’s 20-strong judging panel is comprised of business leaders, including Carolyn McCall, Chief Executive, easyJet, Jasmine Whitbread, CEO Save the Children, Duncan Bannatyne, Entrepreneur and Dragon, Caroline Michel, CEO, Peters, Frasers and Dunlop as well as Sian Westerman, MD, Rothschild and other key industry experts.

The winner of the Veuve Clicquot Business Woman Award will be announced at a high-profile Champagne reception at The Ballroom at Claridge’s, London on the 18th of April 2012 at 6.30pm.

Christina Jesaitis, Senior Brand Manager, Veuve Clicquot said: “As we reach our 40th year of the award, social and environmental responsibility are still a key focus for our judges and this year’s finalists all represent business women that have embedded these important attributes into their organizations. The award also looks for those women that are able to act as more than just an example of a successful business woman, but rather an inspiration and mentor for future female entrepreneurs; we believe that all of our three finalists have demonstrated this quality.”

Liz Palmer
@champagnehouses